Country Music Will Fill The Air

Partygoers at Payson's 125th festivities will be in for an old-fashioned musical treat.

Saturday's celebration at Green Valley Park will feature an old-time "jam session" and some of the best country and western music, long since forgotten.

Roundup file photo

Junction 87 will perform Thursday after the box dinner auction.

Ginger Schoettinger, event coordinator for the 125th anniversary celebration, said the jam session would be filled with old-time pioneer band members and any musician who feels the rhythm and has the urge to jump in and play.

The jam session will take place in the afternoon hours, likely beginning around 3 p.m. on Saturday, at the bandstand at GV Park.

After talking with some old musicians around town, Schoettinger said the idea for a jam session was born.

"Talking to old musicians, we decided we'd just do it," she said. "I have no idea how they're going to do it, they're just going to do it."

"I'm excited for the jam session. Most people don't get a chance to see things like that anymore," she added.

The musical act will coincide with the distribution of the special anniversary quilt cake (a cake made to resemble a quilt), which will take place at the ramada near the bandstand.

"Its very typical of old times," she said with a laugh. "Guys play music and women doing the work."

Local radio station KCMA will provide all of the electrical equipment and hookups for the jam session and Schoettinger said that any musical talent is invited to come participate.

"All fiddle, guitar and any old country music performers (are welcome)," she said.

Bring your dancing shoes and musical instrument if you can play -- it should be an event to remember.

Popular local band, Junction 87 will perform on Thursday evening, following the community picnic and box dinner auction on Main Street. The tentative kickoff time for their performance is around 6:30 p.m.

Schoettinger said that the 125th committee is still working on details for musical entertainment throughout the week's events. Other bands and performers may also be playing during the events.